Power in a remote, off-the-grid cabin takes many forms. When we purchased our float cabin, it came with propane. This was our first time to use propane. Of course, in the city, we were used to natural gas for heating and appliances, but propane in its own bottle was new and a little scary. In the beginning, we only used it for the burners on the stove. Now that we are more comfortable with propane, we use the propane powered refrigerator and lights.

Propane is also called LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Many people use it in small canisters for camp stoves and barbeques. Rural houses are often designed to use propane from large outdoor tanks, much like city homes use natural gas. Propane is transported and stored in tanks as a very cold liquid. The liquid propane is turned into a gas inside the tank. The gas is then transported through thin pipes to appliances in the home.

Care needs to be taken when using propane as a power source. The vapors are heavier than air, so they can build up in low spots and be ignited by a flame or spark. If care is taken to check all pipes and fittings, and to locate storage tanks outdoors, there is little danger. Also, to make it easier to detect a propane leak, a chemical has been added to give it a distinctive smell.

We have two 60 pound propane tanks that are housed in a lean-to on the side of the cabin. One tank usually lasts us about six weeks in winter when we are using it for lights, cooking and the refrigerator. In the summer, when we don’t need the lights, it lasts about eight weeks. Having a spare tank makes it easy to swap them when we run out (unless it is pouring rain). An empty tank is fairly light, but a full one is pretty heavy to haul down the dock and into the Campion. A dolly (hand truck) makes the haul a little easier.

One thing we had a hard time understanding was, “How can a gas flame create cooling in a refrigerator?” The Lehman’s website says:

"The basic principle is to create cooling through evaporation. An ammonia mixture sealed inside the cooling unit is heated by a gas burner, which causes it to circulate before it evaporates and creates a cooling effect. The continuous heating, evaporating, and condensing is a never-ending cycle that keeps your food and beverages cold." Now we can have ice and make ice cream at our cabin for those warm summer days. Can’t wait!! -- Margy

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Have you dreamed of moving off the grid and living in harmony with nature? What will it take? How do you get started? Author Wayne Lutz shares valuable insights that will inspire and assist you in fulfilling your dream.

The book that started it all!

Head up Powell Lake to experience life in a float cabin, take a boat to Desolation Sound, ride a quad into the backcountry and fly overhead for a unique view of this incredible place. Read Up the Lakeby Wayne Lutz and then join us for the vacation of a lifetime. You may never want to leave.

Take a realistic look at life in a remote location where you make your own power, live in harmony with nature, and determine your own destiny. Read Off the Gridby Wayne J. Lutz and see how it works for a couple living in a Coastal BC float cabin.

Cabins float in a cut-off fjord of British Columbia’s south coast. One man tackles an on-going dream to construct a floating cabin on Powell Lake, from the water up – not his first, but his finest. Read Cabin Number 5by Wayne J. Lutz and experience it for yourself.

Ride "Up the Main"

Up the Main

Coastal BC Stories

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Then head "Farther Up the Main"

Farther Up the Main

Coastal BC Stories

Stories of ATV exploration, hiking, and survival for the stout of heart and those who crave wilderness adventure. Set in remote Canada where people are isolated from the bustle of the surrounding world. Read Farther Up the Mainby Wayne J. Lutz and experience it for yourself.

Continue "Beyond the Main"

Join Wayne, Margy, John, and Powell River ATV Club members as they explore the Powell River backcountry by ATV. Read Beyond the Mainby Wayne J. Lutz for ideas about where to ride or just experience this exciting sport from the comfort of home.

And then explore "Powell Lake by Barge and Quad"

Join us for quad adventures to destinations on Powell and Goat Lakes only accessible by boat. Visit unique places where all-terrain vehicles can explore logging roads and trails in one of British Columbia’s most picturesque regions.

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Come Fly "Up the Airway" and discover Coastal BC

Up the Airway

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For the pilot and adventurer at heart. Fly high over beautiful Canadian lakes, forests and inlets. Land at remote strips and camp under starry skies. In addition to BC, travel to the Arctic Ocean, Hudson Bay, Canadian prairies and Pacific Northwest for a unique travel experience.

Come to BC for Winter Fun

Up the Winter Trail

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Your winter holiday plans won't be complete without a visit to Powell River and its uncrowded winter vacation opportunities. Hike, snowshoe, cross country ski - we have it all and more. Want a preview? Read Up the Winter Trailby Wayne Lutz.

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The Powell River Books Blog is designed to promote the books written by Wayne J. Lutz. On occasion, reviews of other products or services are included as informational posts. No cash or in-kind payment has been received for any of those posts.

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